It Begins . . .

The sun broke early this morning, and I was up with it. Coffee has been brewed.

Mexico is playing South Africa, and with this, I commence in-game blogging.

Javier Hernandez is not starting up front for Mexico, which disappoints me, as he is on my fantasy team, but it makes sense, as he is young, and the pressure on the opening game would be high-pressure..

First yellow card to Mexico, for delaying a free kick.

Mexico looks the better team, with more of a cutting edge, and they have come closer to scoring, but so far, South Africa is keeping enough defense back that there were no clear cut chances.

Oh, there's a yellow card on South Africa.

31 minutes in, no goal, but South Africa has put together some nice passing sequences.

Guillermo Franco makes a great run, and almost sneaks it past the keeper, but the goalie makes a great save.

In 38 minutes, a narrow offside call cancels a Carlos Vela goal.

Vaughn and I have coined a new phrase: "a snowball's chance in Iceland." Interpret it as you will.

Mexico is starting to collect more dangerous chances. They will score at least one goal today.

Vaughn is very excited. Only two more years until Euro 2012.

Inches away from a goal for South Africa! What a change that would make.

Before the game, Vaughn and I both predicted Mexico as victors, but wanted South Africa to win. Then we heard the vuvuzelas. South Africa must never succeed at anything ever again.

HALFTIME! Time for scrambled eggs and bagels.

Second half starts just as I serve up, and South Africa serves up the best chance they have had so far, a dangerous looking cross.

AND ON THE COUNTER, SOUTH AFRICA TAKES THE LEAD, AND BREAKS OUT INTO AN ORGANIZED CELEBRATION! Amazing pass, quick run, clinical finish!

South Africa seems to be growing in confidence. They are passing well, and staying organized on defense.

A chance to make it 2-0 goes begging, which could have wrapped it up. South Africa is having the better chances now.

Javier Hernandez enters in the 73rd minute. Mexico needs better finishing, as they wasted the chances they had. I need fantasy soccer points, so our needs match nicely here.

On this form, Mexico will not be going through. Blanco makes a bad first touch, sending South Africa off on another run.

A dubious offside call stops a chance for Mexico in the final third.

13 minutes to go, and Mexico must find an equalizer. On this rate, the honking to be heard in the Mission later will not be honks of joy for Mexicans.

AND JUST LIKE THAT, RAFAEL MARQUEZ LEVELS IT!

Will South Africa collapse? Or will they hold on? Will Mexico be energized to find a winner?

Mexico gets a free kick in a dangerous spot with five to go. south Africa clears the danger.

Osorio of Mexico tries a little gamesmanship. Was caught with the ball in an isolated area, had no help, so he fell to ground and grabbed the ball, trying to force the referee to call a foul. A foul was called: hand ball. I love it.

South Africa should have just won it; a breakaway shot bounces off the post.

A 1-1 DRAW! That seems to be the right result. Neither team played quite well enough to win, although they both had chances that should have been taken.

MY ORIGINAL PICK

Mexico with a 2-1 win.